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'She Doesn't Understand Why They Don't Love Her'

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In the last episode of "Once Upon a Time," Regina (Lana Parrilla) discovered the crop of magic beans that Anton (Jorge Garcia) is secretly growing to transport Snow and Charming's family back to the Enchanted Forest, and she didn't seem too thrilled that her nemeses chose to keep her out of the loop about their plan.

In this week's Regina-centric episode, fittingly titled "The Evil Queen," our favorite villainess is once again up to no good, as the episode description can attest:

With the aid of Hook, Regina attempts to put a plan in motion that will help transport herself and Henry back to Fairytale land. But her plan revolves around a fail-safe that was planted within the curse, which if triggered could wipe Storybrooke off the map -- and kill all of its inhabitants; and Emma's suspicions about Tamara grow. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, the Evil Queen asks Rumplestiltskin to transform her into an unrecognizable peasant in order to kill an unsuspecting Snow White, with the twisted aim of earning the love and respect of her subjects.

In a recent interview, Parrilla told TVLine that her newest scheme is wholly motivated by her son: "She senses there is a love that Henry does have for her and because of that, she’s going to fight for that relationship even stronger now. She’s looking for ways to take him away and go elsewhere."

Kidnapping aside, the episode will take us back in time to just after the events of the Season 1 episode "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," when the Evil Queen dispatched the Huntsman (Jamie Dornan) to kill Snow White and he brought back the heart of a stag instead.

"She doesn’t understand why it’s so difficult to kill this little princess that’s out running around in the forest. So, she meets with the peasants in a village where she knows Snow White is hiding and she offers them a lot of money and gold, opportunities for better lives… and no one budges," Parrilla told TVLine. "She doesn’t understand why everyone is protecting Snow White and why they don’t love her. She’s the queen, and yet they hate her so much. So, she asks Rumpelstiltskin to disguise her as a villager, and she ends up walking amongst these people and asking about their feelings about the queen. And what she discovers is a very sad thing, how much she is hated."

Will the truth about how she's perceived motivate The Evil Queen to change? Of course not: "She’s more like, 'You ungrateful bastards' ... she can do no wrong in her eyes," Parrilla admitted. "She’s not as self-aware as you at times would like her to be, or as Regina in Storybrooke is ... Although, again in Storybrooke, she’s making some dangerous decisions in opening this portal and taking Henry away."

Check out preview clips from the episode below:

For more from Parrilla on this week's episode and what to expect from the finale, click over to TVLine.

"Once Upon a Time" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.


Mike Tyson: An Ex-Girlfriend Ate One Of My Pigeons

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Say what you want about that horrible ex-girlfriend of yours, at least she (probably) never ate one of your pet pigeons.

Unfortunately for Mike Tyson, that isn't the case. The former pro boxer shared his experience in an interview with CBS New York's "Boomer & Carton," Thursday, when host Craig Carton asked if he'd ever eaten pigeon.

“I tried," Tyson responded. "I was dating this young lady and she said, ‘I don’t know why you’re flying those damn birds, you should be eating them.' ... She happened to grab one and -- and she cooked one and proceeded to eat it. And I just couldn’t do it."

"It just wasn't the right thing to do," continued a crestfallen Tyson. Needless to say, "That's why she's not my woman anymore."

Tyson's fascination with pigeons is nothing new.

"The first thing I ever loved in my life – the pigeon," Tyson explained in 2011. "They're so much like people."

Tyson, now a vegan, is unlikely to have any interest in sampling pigeon any time soon. Pigeons have commonly been eaten throughout history, however, often appearing on restaurant menus as "squab."

Listen to the entire interview at WFAN. (The pigeon discussion begins at 10:17.)

RENEWED! But Without A Half Man?

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CBS has renewed "Two and a Half Men" for an eleventh season, but there will be some changes.

Though Ashton Kutcher and Jon Cryer have signed on for Season 11, the fate of Angus T. Jones -- who caused controversy for slamming the show's content as "filth" last fall -- is up in the air in regards to "Two and a Half Men" Season 11, TVLine was the first to report.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network and Warner Bros. Television are currently working on a deal for Jones to recur in Season 11. Jones' character Jake has had a military storyline in Season 10, which limited the number of episodes he appeared in, but only slightly.

The Chuck Lorre-helmed hit sitcom has had its fair share of controversy -- first with original co-star Charlie Sheen's very public meltdown and subsequent firing, and then with Jones' rant -- but the ratings have remained consistently strong no matter where CBS schedules the show.

After Kutcher replaced Sheen in the ninth season -- a choice that was validated with continued strong ratings -- CBS closed another one-year deal with the three leading men in 2012 for Season 10, which saw the Monday night show move to a new night on Thursdays for the first time ever. This past season also garnered Cryer his first Emmy win for the show in the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category. (His only previous Emmy win was in the Supporting Actor category when Sheen was still his co-star.)

"Two and a Half Men" airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

Zorianna Kit: Backstage at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Earlier this month musicians such as Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, Rush, Lou Adler and Quincy Johns were inducted in to the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The star studded event, held at The Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles, also included various presenters and performers, such as Usher, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Spike Lee, Carole King and more.

But while the front of house was buzzing with big names and heartfelt speeches, backstage was also a must-stop. That's because of On 3 Productions' I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® "Breakfast After Dark" Gift Lounge held April 18 and 19, backstage during induction ceremony:

Celebs like Cindy Crawford, Destiny Child's Michelle Williams, Questlove and Jack Osbourne picked up gift certificates for New Balance Custom US574 sneakers, giving them the opportunity to design their own shoes, right down to the material and color options.

Additionally, New Balance displayed Custom US574 sneakers that were inspired by each inductee's musical accomplishments.

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Rumer Willis and boyfriend Jayson Blair with New Balance

Those excited to receive TiVo's Premiere 4 DVR and TiVo Stream were Williams, who said she'd be recording her favorite TV show, "Scandal," and Rumer Willis, whose go-to show is Netflix's "House of Cards."

The TiVo Premiere 4 DVR records up to four shows at once and the streaming service allows viewers to watch content on multiple devices at home, or on the road. Each celeb also received a lifetime service subscription from TiVo.

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Michelle Williams hugging the TiVo doll

Custom in-ear monitors from Ultimate Ears, specifically designed for industry pros and discerning musicians were especially exciting for Williams and Darryl McDaniels of hip-hop group Run-D.M.C.

McDaniels was one of the night's special performers, getting up on stage with Public Enemy, who were inducted at the RRHF Induction Ceremony.

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Darryl McDaniels with Ultimate Ears


Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong picked up watches from Aquaswiss, both selecting the color green. The company debuted their latest collections - the Aquaswiss Automatic Vessel and Tanc.

Inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart picked up PHYTO products and gift card to the Fred Segal Salon Blow Dry Loungy by PHYTO Santa Monica, as did sultry songstress Grace Potter.

The Foo Fighters Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins also made an appearance at the suite. Among the items Hawkins was able to scoop up included skin products from Murad, a one-year membership to Crunch gym, jeans from Cult of Individuality and Hasbro Games World Series of Yahtzee.

Other attendees included Jennifer Hudson, Chelsea Handler and Colin Hanks among others.

The suite's sponsor, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, gifted high tech digital recipe readers and products to help stars cook up their favorite "after dark dishes" - a suite favorite for restaurateur and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump.

ICBINB was asking talent what they like to do after dark...or where they like to eat breakfast after dark. Grohl said he liked to "drink wine and listen to Rush after dark" while Crawford chimed in that she prefers to "cuddle with my hubby after dark." Osbourne revealed a little bit too much information: "I play video games in my undies - shh - after dark!"

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Kelly Rowland at I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!

Chris Noth & Julianna Margulies Were On 'Law & Order' Together 20 Years Ago

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Julianna Margulies and Chris Noth's characters may have a twisted relationship on "The Good Wife," but the actors also have quite the past.

In 1993, before Alicia and Peter Florrick were even a glimmer in the eyes of "Good Wife" creators Robert and Michelle King, Margulies guest starred on "Law & Order," on which Noth was a regular.

In the Season 3 episode, titled "Conduct Unbecoming," a female Naval officer is murdered during a party and Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Logan (Noth) suspect that the Navy is protecting the killer.

Check out the above clip of Margulies's second ever credited role, where she plays Lt. Ruth Mendoza (uniform and all), who turns out to be a key witness for Briscoe and Logan.

As for Alicia and Peter, tune in for "The Good Wife" season finale on Sunday, April 28 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS to find out what will happen.

Film's Favorite Stoner Defends Barack Obama's Marijuana Stance

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Kal Penn may be most recognizable as Kumar from the stoner film franchise "Harold & Kumar", but the actor has also made headlines for his work and advocacy for President Barack Obama. He even stepped away from Hollywood in 2009 to serve the Obama administration as associate director of the Office of Public Engagement. On HuffPost Live Friday, Penn spoke about his relationship with Obama and defended the president's attention to marijuana reform, saying Obama has been firm on his stance that he wants the Justice Department to focus on violent offenders.

'We're All Processing That Right Now'

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Renewals for the 2013-2014 season are already underway, but it remains to be seen whether "Revenge" will get a Season 3 on ABC.

Recently, the Hamptons-set drama experienced a bit of shock when creator Mike Kelley decided to step down as "Revenge" showrunner.

"As a cast, we're still all processing that information right now," Gabriel Mann, who plays Nolan Ross on the series, said on HuffPost Live this week. "Mike is the mad genius behind this whole show and obviously, there's a lot of nostalgia for all the time that we've spent together and what has been created as a group, but ... we have an amazing creative team behind the scenes and, by in large, I think that team will continue to stay in place."

ABC has yet to announce a new showrunner for "Revenge," which is not surprising considering the network also hasn't announced if "Revenge" will return for another season.

"We have yet to get a thumbs up on an official Season 3," Mann explained. "I would think that the fact that these discussions are even still ongoing would lend itself towards the possibility that there will be ... But going forward, I think a Season 3 on 'Revenge' may look a little bit different than a Season 1 or 2. But that's the nature of the beast."

Do you think "Revenge" will be back for a Season 3? Are you still watching? Sound off in the comments!

"Revenge" airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Where Does Huck Go From Here?

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The April 25 episode of "Scandal" finally gave viewers some insight into Huck's (Guillermo Diaz) mysterious past, revealing that the former assassin used to be a Marine who was drafted into the CIA's covert B-613 division to torture and kill targets deemed a threat to national security.

While it was fascinating to see Huck becoming the talented killing machine we know and love today (under the tutelage of George Newbern's Charlie), it was even more amazing to learn that the troubled Jarhead also had a wife, Kim (played by "Fringe's" Jasika Nicole), and a son, which explains his fixation with watching a suburban family live out their mundane lives. Sadly for Huck, there's no escaping B-613, which meant that as soon as his superiors found out about Huck's family, they locked him in a windowless bunker until he denied knowing them.

Even more gut-wrenching: Charlie threatened to kill them if Huck ever tried to make contact with them again -- which he didn't, until years later when a chance encounter at the subway station where homeless Huck was living prompted his son to offer the poor stranger (who was actually his father) some money -- at 7:52 in the morning. We're traumatized for life!

So where does Huck go from here? "He's definitely not going to be the same," Diaz told The Hollywood Reporter after the episode. "He's a bit more broken but ... after all the Gladiators told him what they think of him, that also healed him in a small way ... There's a stronger connection between Huck and everyone in the office -- Abby, Harrison, Quinn and Olivia. When you go through something really big like this with someone, it brings you closer."

Though Diaz, like the rest of the secretive "Scandal" team, was hesitant to share any real spoilers, he told THR that he thinks Huck is the kind of man who will stop at nothing to reconnect with his family now that he remembers they exist. "He's the type of guy that once he gets something in his head, he's going to get it done ... It's going to be really difficult because he's a completely different person now. I would hope if he did find his real family that there would be some acceptance from his wife and child. Who knows what relationships his wife is in now; is Kim in a relationship and married with other kids? ... It could either go really well and they'll hug, kiss, cry, love each other and live happily every after or it's going to be extremely complicated," Diaz explained.

Though some fans have seen a little chemistry between Huck and his gladiator protege Quinn (Katie Lowes), Diaz told Vulture that he doesn't see a romantic dynamic between the pair. "Right now, I see Huck as a big brother to Quinn. I think Huck feels a connection with Quinn [because] she's also broken as he is. He sees that her dad is pushing her away, and he feels like he wants to protect her and take care of her," he said. "I love that they put Quinn and Huck together and she's learning who and what Huck does ... But as far as it becoming a love triangle or hookup, I have no idea. But you never know."

Despite Charlie sparing Huck's life, his fellow assassin was still responsible for threatening his family, locking Huck in a crate and triggering his PTSD, so some payback might be in order. "Huck is going to be really smart about it. He's not going to do anything hasty," Diaz told THR. "I hope he doesn't kill him right away. I don't think that's where Huck's headspace is. He'll be methodical and think before he does anything too drastic." Diaz also pointed out that now Huck is working for Olivia Pope and Associates, he "doesn't want to be a killer anymore. He doesn't want to be that guy and that's one of the main reasons why Charlie is still alive ... Huck killing Charlie would make Huck take 50 steps back."

For more from Diaz about the intense events of the April 25th episode of "Scandal," titled "Seven Fifty Two," and where Huck goes from here, head over to THR and Vulture.

"Scandal" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Do you think Huck will be able to reunite with his wife and son? What do you think will become of Jake since his enigmatic supervisor is the head of the B-613 division? Share your predictions below!


Howard Bragman: WATCH: Howard Bragman's 'Gwissues' Goes One-On-One With Greg Louganis

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On this week's episode of Gwissues, I spend time with Olympic diving champion, author and mentor Greg Louganis. Most famous for taking home gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games for both springboard and platform diving, Louganis is back in the spotlight as the all-new Dive Master on ABC's hit celebrity diving competition show SPLASH. Here, Louganis candidly opens up about coming out as a professional athlete and how far science has come in the fight against HIV.

WATCH:


Gwissues, a YouTube show, airs on Gwist.tv.

PHOTOS: Olivia Munn Shines Bright At The White House Correspondents' Dinner

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They call the White House Correspondents' Dinner "Nerd Prom" for a reason: It's the one night a year where brains and beauty truly collide. And who could better represent that smart-sexy ethos than Olivia Munn?

We're used to seeing the "Newsroom" actress show more skin on the red carpet, so Saturday night's look seemed comparatively conservative. Instead of opting for a crop top or a flash of sideboob, she kept it simple in a black Marchesa dress. Just when we thought we were about to fall asleep, Olivia accessorized with gaudy chain necklaces that almost blinded us to her equally dazzling smile -- almost.

And Olivia certianly did not leave the LOLs at home. She chatted with E! News livestream hosts Marc Malkin and Alicia Quarles about her affinity for day-drinking as a workout booster and joked about alternatives to fitness: "I wish I could lose weight tweeting," she confessed. "I'd tweet so much more."

A girl after our own hearts. While there's no doubt Olivia shouldn't worry about a new workout, we're still debating her red carpet look. What's your take?

PHOTOS:

olivia munn white house correspondents dinner

olivia munn white house correspondents dinner

There's more WHCD glam where that came from:

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
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WATCH: 2013 WHCD In Washington

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President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, politicians, media figures and celebrities are gathering in Washington, D.C. tonight for the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.

This year's host is comedian Conan O'Brien. Attendees include actress Claire Danes, MSNBC host Chris Matthews, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and others.

The AP reports:

The annual gathering not far from the White House brings together journalists, government officials, politicians and media personalities for what's usually an evening of light-hearted banter and celebrity gawking.

Presidents are made fun of and they poke at themselves, too.

But President Barack Obama's scheduled appearance Saturday night at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was coming at a somber time, nearly two weeks after the deadly Boston Marathon bombing and 10 days after a devastating fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.

In 1995, in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, President Bill Clinton dispensed with the traditional presidential humor to remember victims and praise journalists for their coverage of the explosion.

Coincidentally, this year's dinner entertainer, comedian and late-night TV talk-show host Conan O'Brien, also headlined that 1995 gala.

Obama spent the afternoon on the golf course at Andrews Air Force Base with former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and two White House aides.


Six journalists, including Associated Press White House Correspondent Julie Pace, were to be awarded prizes for their coverage of the presidency and national issues.

The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza won the Aldo Beckman Award, which recognizes excellence in the coverage of the presidency.

Pace won the Merriman Smith Award for a print journalist for coverage on deadline.

ABC's Terry Moran was the winner of the broadcast Merriman Smith Award for deadline reporting.

Reporters Jim Morris, Chris Hamby and Ronnie Greene of the Center for Public Integrity won the Edgar A. Poe Award for coverage of issues of national significance.

Watch a live video of the event above.

WATCH: Annual Dinner In Washington

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The 2013 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner takes place tonight at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C.

Celebrities like Amy Poehler, Katy Perry, John Legend and Tracy Morgan gathered in the nation's capitol to rub elbows with politicians and media figures at a number of events.

Obama will give a speech at the dinner, which is the weekend's main event. Comedian Conan O'Brien will also speak.

Watch a video of the dinner above.

PHOTOS: Michelle Obama Glitters At The White House Correspondents' Dinner

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Hanging out with politicos and D.C. wonks, Michelle Obama is usually the flashiest gal in the room. But at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Washington's most celeb-filled party, FLOTUS has to compete with some rather fashionable faces.

But compete she can. At the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night, Michelle glowed in a glittering black cap-sleeve gown by Monique Lhuillier. The designer tweeted, "I am honored @MichelleObama is wearing me to the White House correspondence dinner tonight !! She looks amazing!!! xx Monique"

Fashion journalist Laurie Brookins added, via Twitter, that the dress was "a black beaded/draped chiffon goddess gown with high neckline in Chantilly lace."

But what caught our eye even more were the bangs! Michelle's blunt bangs were out in full force, standing out prominently against her upswept hairdo. Despite her protestations that the hairstyle is getting a little "irritating," Michelle's bangs were definitely her best beauty statement on Saturday night.

That, and the sparkling smile she kept flashing at host and table-mate Conan O'Brien. Seriously, POTUS, better watch your back.

Check out early photos of Michelle's "Nerd Prom" dress. Thoughts?

PHOTOS:

michelle obama white house correspondents dinner

michelle obama white house correspondents dinner

michelle obama white house correspondents dinner

michelle obama white house correspondents dinner

michelle obama white house correspondents dinner

See what the stars wore on D.C.'s biggest night:

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LOOK: Photos From The 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner

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President Barack Obama joined celebrities, politicians and media figures Saturday night for the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Comedian Conan O'Brien hosts this year's event, a soiree that dates back to 1920. This year's dinner takes place at the Washington Hilton hotel and features such celebrities as Olivia Munn, Kerry Washington, Gerard Butler and Sophia Vergara.

Below, a slideshow of photos from the dinner:

Tribeca's Big Winners

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The Tribeca Film Festival honored two films on Saturday night, awarding "The Rocket" and "Bridegroom" with the Heineken Audience Awards.

The festival's audience cast votes for two Heineken Audience Awards, with "The Rocket" nabbing the award for narrative film, and "Bridegroom" taking home the award for documentary film.

Directed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, "Bridegroom" is a documentary focusing on the fight for marriage equality in California, as seen through one couple, Shane Bitney Crone and Tom Bridegroom. Led by Kim Mordaunt, "The Rocket" tells the story of a young man living in Laos, trying to change his luck.

“Our audiences have chosen two films that testify to the power of the human spirit and hope for change,” Director of Programming Genna Terranova said in a release. “Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality in the U.S. or a boy struggling against all odds in war torn Laos, audiences were clearly moved by these two inspiring stories.”

The award-winning films will screen at New York's Tribeca Film Festival on Sunday.


BIDEN'D: Video Shows All Of The VP's Best Moments

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President Barack Obama and Conan O'Brien may have been the headliners at the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner, but Vice President Joe Biden managed to steal the show right off the bat.

A mash-up displayed all of Biden's best moments -- every quip and slip from the campaign trail to the Oval Office.

Watch the video above, and check out a slideshow of photos from this years' dinner below:

House Of Cards Parody Features Kevin Spacey, Michael Bloomberg

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This year's White House Correspondents' Dinner opened with one of D.C.'s most notorious politicians -- Rep. Frank Underwood (D-S.C.).

If you don't know Underwood, it's because he's only on Capitol Hill in the Netflix series "House of Cards." A parody video of the show -- including Kevin Spacey, who plays Underwood -- kicked off the 2013 correspondents' dinner.

The parody featured Spacey along with such politicians and media figures as New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, BuzzFeed's Ben Smith and Fox News' Ed Henry.

Watch the video above, and check out a slideshow of photos from the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner below:

Obama Jokes About Smoking Pot

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President Barack Obama alluded to his history as a pot smoker during his remarks at the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Obama hinted at his past while weighing in on the success of BuzzFeed.

"I remember when BuzzFeed was just something I did in college around 2 a.m.," Obama said. "It's true."

Watch a video of Obama's joke above, and check out a slideshow of photos from the event below:

UPDATE -- 11:31 p.m.: Jonah Peretti, the CEO of BuzzFeed who was a co-founder of HuffPost, cleared up any confusion for Obama in a tweet Saturday night:

Tracy Morgan As Joe Biden? Believe It (Sort Of)

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After the success of "Lincoln," acclaimed director Steven Spielberg said he's ready to move on to another project about a notable president -- "Obama."

Spielberg joked about the fictional movie during the 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner, which took place Saturday at the Washington Hilton hotel. In a spoof video that aired during President Barack Obama's remarks, Spielberg said he's ready to take on Obama's story ("The guy's already a lame duck, so why wait?") if actor Daniel Day Lewis is ready to take on the role.

Of course you can't have an Obama movie without Vice President Joe Biden. Spielberg's pick for that role? Tracy Morgan.

Watch the video above, and check out photos from the event below:

Obama Attends White House Correspondents' Dinner

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama joked Saturday about his plans for a radical second-term evolution from "strapping young Socialist" to retiree golfer, all with a new hairstyle like first lady Michelle's.

Obama used this year's annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner to poke fun at himself and some of his political adversaries, asking if it was still possible to be brought down a peg after 4½ years as commander-in-chief.

Entering to the rap track "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled, Obama joked about how re-election would allow him to unleash a radical agenda. But then he showed a picture of himself golfing on a mock magazine cover of "Senior Leisure."

"I'm not the strapping young Socialist that I used to be," the president remarked, and then recounted his recent 2-for-22 basketball shooting performance at the White House Easter Egg hunt.

But Obama's most dramatic shift for the next four years appeared to be aesthetic. He presented a montage of shots featuring him with bangs similar to those sometimes sported by his wife.

Obama closed by noting the nation's recent tragedies in Massachusetts and Texas, praising Americans of all stripes from first responders to local journalists for serving the public good.

Saturday night's banquet not far from the White House attracted the usual assortment of stars from Hollywood and beyond. Actors Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Claire Danes, who play government characters on series, were among the attendees, as was Korean entertainer Psy. Several Cabinet members, governors and members of Congress were present.

And despite coming at a somber time, nearly two weeks after the deadly Boston Marathon bombing and 10 days after a devastating fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, the president and political allies and rivals alike took the opportunity to enjoy some humor. Late-night talk-show host Conan O'Brien headlined the event.

Some of Obama's jokes came at his Republican rivals' expense. He asked that the GOP's minority outreach begin with him as a "trial run" and said he'd take his recent charm offensive with Republicans on the road, including to a book-burning event with Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson would have had better success getting Obama out of office if he simply offered the president $100 million to drop out of last year's race, Obama quipped.

And on the 2016 election, the president noted in self-referential irony that potential Republican candidate Sen. Marco Rubio wasn't qualified because he hasn't even served a full term in the Senate. Obama only served less than four years of his six-year Senate term before he was elected president in 2008.

The gala also was an opportunity for six journalists, including Associated Press White House Correspondent Julie Pace, to be honored for their coverage of the presidency and national issues.

The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza won the Aldo Beckman Award, which recognizes excellence in the coverage of the presidency.

Pace won the Merriman Smith Award for a print journalist for coverage on deadline.

ABC's Terry Moran was the winner of the broadcast Merriman Smith Award for deadline reporting.

Reporters Jim Morris, Chris Hamby and Ronnie Greene of the Center for Public Integrity won the Edgar A. Poe Award for coverage of issues of national significance.

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